Today I have read all of the newsletters, and find myself agreeing with most of them! Supporting local stores, farms, and restaurants has always been my priority. I have always taken pride in supporting local charities that help my neighbor, rather than sending a check to " Timbucktu " where most of my donation is eaten up by administrative costs. For example, I support the local Pike County Ecumenical Food Pantry monthly, and this year have requested that, in lieu of Christmas gifts, my family donate in my name to this group. For me, it will be a "real Christmas" helping others rather than recieving gifts that I really do not need. Too often we fail to help our neighbors and overlook what is under our nose. Bill's suggestions of what to do in lieu of making political donations hits the nail on the head. It is refreshing for me to realize, after reading Bill's newsletters, that I am not alone in my take on life.

Just read the November letter...Very nicely put..I enjoyed all my travels but traveled many more miles through many books.

Sept. 16..I certainly agree with your assessment of the olympics..I watched very little of it since I don't consider it much of a sport..more like young people looking for endorsements from big companies. I am reminded of, I think it was Jim Thorpe, who had his metal taken away because he had earned $50.00 in a ball game. At least he has a town named after him and I think it was returned many years later. We waste a lot of money on pomp as evidenced by the recent political conventions. There are a lot of places these funds could be better spent.

This book cleverly demonstrates the idea that hard work can bring oneself innerpeace and self-respect. It is a concept lost on too many young people. I applaud both the quality of narrative and the essence of the moral. Kudos Bill!

William C. Webster for president!!

I definately enjoyed reading "One Year in the Life of Benjamin Thomas" and asked when the next book would come out, only to discover this web page. I enjoyed having you as my teacher and my friend and now I enjoy having you as one of my favorite writers.

I realize I'm a little biased, but I would love to see this book, subsequent books, and the sentiments behind them find a wider audience and really get out there into the world.

Thoroughly enjoyed the first book and eagerly waiting for the sequel. The cover picture of the peaceful home looks wonderfully familiar.

Truly your web site is almost as good as your first book.. I feel honored that I was one of the first to read it and I am anxiously awaiting a manuscript of the new one. You are really a good writer but also a very special person. Wilma

Your web site is a peaceful spot in an ocean of information. I greatly enjoyed the first book and am anxiously looking forward to book number 2. Very nice pictures as well! What a beautiful dog! -- Mary Lou